• I read 14 books this month
• I DNFd 1 books this month
• Genre: 3 fantasy, 2 non-fiction, 2 thriller, 1 gothic, 1 sci-fi, 1 dystopian, 1 murder mystery, 1 contemporary, 1 romance, 1 classic
• Gender of authors: 10 women and 4 men
• Race of authors: 7 white authors, 5 asian authors, 1 black author and 1 Iranian author
• Age range: 7 adult and 7 YA
• Format: 8 paperback, 4 ebook, 1 audiobook and 1 hardback

DNFS

• Freakslaw – Jane Flett

Heracles and Other Plays – Euripides (2.5 stars)

This collection started off so strong with Alcestis – that play was funny and poignant. Heracles was boring up until Heracles then it got interesting. Heracles’ Children was boring and Cyclops was a painful read.

BFFS – Anahit Behrooz (3 stars)

This was talking all about the ‘radical potential in female friendships’ but it just felt like an analysis of female friendship in media. I didn’t really feel the author actually tackled the topic she set out to do.

Fragile Animals – Genevieve Jagger (3 stars)

People need to stop telling me there are vampires in stories but then make the book focus on literally everything BUT THE VAMPIRES. Most of the introspective self-reflection was just boring except for the moments she talks about her mum’s affair and all the vampire stuff. Which all makes up about 30% of the book.

Miss Miyazen, Would Like to Get Closer to You, Vol.1 – Akitaka (4 stars)

This was such a super cute and wholesome slow-burn romance manga. Consisting of only 4 volumes I am expecting the slowest of slow burns. I really liked the characters and found their interactions to be sweet and at times hilariously awkward but not in a way that makes you cringe on the inside. The snapshot way of showing their blossoming relationships was done really well and I could dip in and out of this volume with ease.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price – Holly Jackson (4.5 stars)

Having read AGGTM first and then following up with this afterward you can see the immense development and progression in Jackson’s prose. I flew through this story reading 150 pages per sitting because not only was this easy to follow but the pacing was so quick and exciting that I just couldn’t stop myself from turning the page. The words flowed so seamlessly and I would blink another 20 mins had passed and I had been absorbed in this novel. While this is a YA book I do believe this has universal appeal for thriller fans out there and I will be recommending this to anyone who loves true crime docs, complicated family dynamics, and a realistic angsty main character.

Abroad in Japan – Chris Broad (4.5 stars)

I have been slowly getting more and more into non-fiction and this is defo a top one on my list. This was a really funny, heartfelt tale of a man’s 10 year experience living in Japan. I had such a fun time reading this and learning so much about Japanese culture and lifestyle. I really enjoyed reading this from a British persons’ point of view as most travel content I see are from American people so having the references and comparison from a culture I understand made for a great reading experience.

Is Love the Answer? – Uta Isaac (5 stars)

This was beautiful coming of age story discussing sexuality, romance and attraction. I was super invested in our main character’s story and her coming to terms with who she is. I was a big fan of the message of things changing over time and giving yourself the space to change and grow as you get older. I loved the asexuality representation and I feel that manga should be read by everyone!

Blue Lock, Vol. 1 – Muneyuki Kaneshiro (5 stars)

Going into this I assumed it was going to be an easy-going but highly competitive football tournament. What I was not expecting was a slightly dystopian, highly tense and highly exhilarating competition in which a whole footballer’s life could be ruined if they lose if they don’t make it to the top. This made a sport that I don’t really understand, easy to digest and something to be invested in. The characters are super interesting and I kind of like the fact that the stakes are so high. I will 100% continuing this series. I NEED to know how it ends!

The Potting Shed Murder – Paula Sutton (5 stars)

This book just solidified for me that the cosy murder mystery subgenre is the best crime subgenre that exists in our universe. It just ticks all the boxes for me. I do actually have a whole review dedicated to this book so check it out!

The Cruel Prince – Holly Black (5 stars)

I’m going to be honest here… a lot of people compared this book to ACOTAR which I thought was very average and because of that I waited forever and a day to pick this book up. I didn’t want another ACOTAR experience. But this was a SO GOOD. The characters, the political writing, the gorgeous and vibrant world-building, the angst. UGhhhhh I do genuinely highly recommend this book.